What is Home Insulation and How Does it Work?
Home insulation is a product that aims to reduce the transfer of heat into and out of your home by trapping tiny pockets of air to slow down the movement of heat.
Heat Flow
Heat flow is, put simply, the flow of heat into and out of the home. Heat flow can happen virtually anywhere in the home, but some of the most common places where it occurs are:
- Attics
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Windows
- Basements
R-Value
R-value is a standardized measurement that is used to rate insulation. The R-value describes how well an insulation system resists heat flow. A higher R-value means better heat flow resistance, and, therefore, better insulation.
Do You Need New Insulation?
The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association estimates that 90% of single-family homes in the United States are under-insulated. While most Los Angeles homes have some form of insulation, the older your home is the less likely it is to have enough. If your home was built before 1970 and has never had new insulation added, it’s particularly susceptible to this problem.
New Insulation Can Save You Money
Since there’s a good chance your home falls in the 90% that are under-insulated, it’s worth looking into the ways that new insulation can help save you money.
Heating and Cooling Costs
According to the US Department of Energy, almost half of a home’s energy bills will be spent on heating and cooling the home. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average homeowner can save up to 15% on their heating and cooling costs by adding insulation to vulnerable areas of the home like:
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
- Rim joists
- Basements
HVAC Maintenance
When your home is poorly insulated your HVAC system has to work overtime to heat and cool your home. Obviously, this increases your energy bills, but it also takes a big toll on the systems themselves. An HVAC system that has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature for you home will wear out faster, requiring more maintenance and earlier replacement.
Image via pratthomes.com
Return on Investment
Did you know that properly insulating your home can offer you a fantastic return on investment if you sell your home? Studies suggest that Los Angeles homeowners can expect to, at least, break even on their insulation investment when they sell their homes. Additionally, new insulation often makes homeowners eligible for tax incentives which leads to even more savings.
Should You Upgrade Your Insulation?
It’s never a bad idea to have your insulation checked out. Re-insulating your Los Angeles home can be an effective way to reduce energy waste and lower your heating and cooling bills leaving your home more comfortable and your wallet a little heavier. If you think your home is in need of new insulation, call Guardian Roofs in Los Angeles, today, to schedule a free estimate!
